Zambian president's visit to China to boost bilateral relations

The upcoming visit by Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema will inject fresh momentum into the comprehensive and in-depth development of China-Zambia relations and usher in further progress to bilateral friendly cooperation, said a Foreign Ministry spokeswoman on Friday.

At the invitation of President Xi Jinping, Hichilema will visit China from this Sunday to Sept 16, according to the ministry.

During the visit, Xi will host the Zambian president to a welcoming ceremony and a banquet, and the two heads of state will hold talks, said Mao Ning, the spokeswoman. Hichilema will also meet separately with Premier Li Qiang and Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People’s Congress Standing Committee.

Mao said "China and Zambia, with their longstanding relationship, have continued to deepen their political mutual trust, achieve fruitful results in practical cooperation, and maintain good collaboration on international and regional affairs."

China and Zambia will celebrate the 60th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations next year.